PDC provides personalized support and treatment programs to maximize the potential of the individual to succeed in their preferred future and advance their level of independence. The Interdisciplinary Team uses a person-centered approach and develops an Individual Program Plan (IPP) based on what is important to and for the individual. Services may include health care, education, work and self-help training, preparation for independent living, leisure activities, and socialization skills.
Additional Information
Executive Director
Public: 559-782-2222
TDD: 559-781-7822
Program Descriptions
Public Information
History
Location and Directions
Job Opportunities
Program Description
Program 7: Behavioral, Emotional and Competency Treatment (Secure Treatment Program)
Program 7 serves individuals in a secure environment who require a highly structured treatment setting. Services are provided for individuals 18 years of age or older and whose functional level of intellectual disability ranges from moderate to borderline. These individuals have multiple maladaptive behaviors, criminal offenses, assaults, self-abuse, property destruction, drug abuse, sexual crimes, and other socially undesirable and anti-social behaviors. The focus of treatment includes restoring individuals to competency based on their admittance to PDC under a Penal Code commitment 1370.1 for competency training. Services provided, in collaboration with Central Program Services (CPS), include work/life skills, substance abuse training, coping skills, relaxation therapy, individual and group therapy, sex offender relapse training, court competency training, as well as specialized educational and vocational opportunities.
Program 8: Social and Life Skills Development for Community Living (Secure Treatment Program)
Program 8 provides habilitation training and services, as well as educational services to intellectually disabled adults 18 years of age and older. Individuals are either on a Welfare & Institution code of 6500, danger to self and/or others, or are individuals on a court ordered Penial Code 1370.1, incompetent to stand trial. The Program’’’s primary purpose is to alleviate/address challenging behaviors, increase independence in work, daily living, leisure/socialization skills, life skills development, community integration, good citizenship, competency training as ordered by the court, and to develop/improve communication skills in preparation for individuals to be successful in the least restrictive environment. Other training areas that may be required while residing in Program VIII are substance abuse, anger management, educational services for individuals under the age of 22, and vocational services with employment opportunities to earn money and learn money management skills. The Program has a home-like atmosphere with an emphasis on community living.
Central Program Services: Training Services
Central Program Services provides training to meet the individual’s identified needs. There are a variety of programs designed to increase their level of independence, functioning skills, ability to control their environment, and ability to live in community settings.
Examples include:
- Education
- Adult habilitation
- Employment
- Court competency training
- Curriculum
- Sign language interpreting
- Assistive technology
- Leisure activities
- Religious services
- Barber/beautician services
- Resource center
PDC Step-Down Homes
The Central Valley Regional Center has constructed and operates three step-down homes in Tulare County. These homes are only available to individuals currently residing at PDC who are identified through an interdisciplinary team assessment as ready for step-down services in the community.
Learn more about these services.
Public Information
In order to preserve the privacy and dignity of individuals living at Porterville Developmental Center, general tours for individuals and the public are not available.
Please contact the Public Information Officer at PIO@dds.ca.gov.
History
In 1945, the State purchased 1,245 acres of land for $62,850 for the future Porterville State Hospital. The site was originally planned for the care and treatment of individuals with epilepsy but was redesigned as a treatment center for the developmentally disabled. Construction began in 1950 and the hospital was dedicated on May 12, 1953, by Governor Earl Warren. Porterville State Hospital admitted its first 200 individuals on June 3, 1953. The total population reached its peak in 1957 with over 2,600 individuals. In 1985, the facility was renamed Porterville Developmental Center (PDC) by the Department of Developmental Services to better reflect the facility’s purpose, which is to care for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Secure Treatment Program was developed in 1997, upon the closure of Camarillo State Hospital. At that time, 200 individuals were transferred to PDC’s Secure Treatment Program.
PDC’s sprawling campus is like a city unto itself. In addition to home residences and training/work sites, the campus includes an auditorium, two gymnasiums, swimming pool, athletic field, religious center, education complex, cafe, craft store, fashion center, police station, fire station, hospital, maintenance shops, water supply, and power plant.
In November 2006, construction began for a 96-bed residential expansion in the Secure Treatment Program. The expansion included six 16-bed living residences, one recreation complex, and a new reception building. Construction was completed in October 2009.
In December 2019, the General Treatment Area closed after all the individuals were successfully transitioned to community homes as part of the California Welfare and Institution Code 4474.11 and 2012 Assembly Bill 1472.
Location
Porterville Developmental Center
26501 Avenue 140
Porterville, California 93257-2000
Last modified: July 3, 2025